Thousands of people took to the streets of Baltimore on Saturday as anger over the death of Freddie Gray turned to hopes for change, following swift criminal charges against six police officers.
The city’s chief prosecutor announced charges on Friday ranging from murder to assault in the 25 year-old’s death who died on April 19, a week after suffering a fatal spinal injury while in police custody.
At least a dozen people were arrested for violating a nighttime curfew that was kept in place for Saturday.
The officers who were arrested, three white and three black, include a lieutenant with 17 years on the force, several near-rookies and a woman who had just been promoted to sergeant.
The death of Mr. Gray, 25, a week after he suffered a spinal cord injury brought to a boil long-simmering tensions between the police and poor neighborhoods in the city, culminating in rioting and looting on Monday.
More peaceful demonstrations continued through the week after a curfew was put in place. And the swift action by the prosecutor seemed to some to mark a turning point after months of debate and demonstrations around the country over police violence.
Twenty police officers have been injured and more than 200 people arrested in the unrest.
